Formed in 1993, Disjecta Membra quickly became known as New Zealand’s front-runners in the ‘gothic’ genre; a reputation consolidated internationally with the release of the 1997 debut album Achromaticia and its lead single, ‘Cauldron of Cerridwen’. Long out of print, with original copies fetching insane prices on eBay and Discogs, more recently the album celebrated its Twentieth Anniversary with a beautifully packaged deluxe, 3-CD set re-issue containing rarities from the group’s formative years (1993-97).

“Hailing from New Zealand, Achromaticia is their debut CD and one which hints at great potential… an album which demands your full attention… with the promises of more to come.”

– Matthew Faulkner (Interference Zine, UK)

Oct 1, 1998

Jun 1, 1998

Jun 1, 1998

“Demonstrating by far the most originality on this album is Disjecta Membra with Cauldron of Cerridwen.” – Joanne Owen (BRV Mgazine, UK)

Jun 1, 1998

Jun 1, 1998

Jun 1, 1998

“An accomplished debut, at times showing the influence of Bauhaus and The Banshees… My favourite track is Danse Macabre with its clattering drums, mesmerising bass and Bowie-like vocals, which cry out “Buggery in the back room!”. There are many pleasurable moments on this promising first album.”– Joanne Owen (BRV Magazine, UK)

“The album is replete with those theatrical, ethereal, and melancholic moments that define evocative and enrapturing gothic rock… ‘Achromaticia’ is one of those albums often spoken of in hushed whispers (“Yeah, but have you heard…”). And it’s as majestic and moving today as it ever was.”– Craig Hayes (Six Noises, New Zealand)

May 27, 2015

Jan 9, 2014

Jan 9, 2014

“Achromaticia” is a true masterpiece of the genre and “Water-wings” is one of the most beautiful Gothic songs I’ve ever heard, but with an intensity and unique theatricality; components that are present more or less throughout the album.”– Ursula Coppolaro / “Mandy Von Vixx” (Gothic World, Italy)

Jan 9, 2014

Dec 14, 2013

Dec 14, 2013

“Achromaticia” is an album of worship within the finest gothic rock of the nineties and stands out above all others.” – Lux Atman (Lux Atenea, Spain)

Over the years, the band would survive multiple incarnations, with founder Michel Rowland on vocals and guitar the only constant. In the current trio, Rowland is flanked by long-time guitarist Kane Davey, the band’s only other mainstay for the past decade; and bassist Jaz Murphy, who has served intermittently with the group since 1998.

December 2013 marked the twentieth anniversary of the band’s formation, celebrated by the release of ‘Death by Discothèque’; the first new single since 2007. A scathing pisstake, ‘Death by Discothèque’ was partly an homage to walk-on appearances from The Damned and Motörhead on the anarchic British comedy, The Young Ones.

Backed with an equally tongue-in-cheek remix from electro-industrial giants Leæther Strip, the single would prove the band’s most popular track to date, while gracing the decks of specialist clubs, DJs, radio shows and webcasts in every corner of the globe. Following swiftly with tourdates supporting the iconic former Bauhaus frontman Peter Murphy, the end of 2013 saw a revitalised band met with a resurgence of interest and recognition.

“Michel’s gang is back with more force and charisma than ever - firing on every chord and drum, as “Death by Discothèque” clearly demonstrates. It’s a sinister and scorching rock’n’roll tune.”– Billyphobia (Virus G, Spain)

Dec 12, 2013

Dec 9, 2013

Dec 9, 2013

“Disjecta Membra have built an enduring reputation as New Zealand’s flagship of Gothic Rock. This month the band celebrate their 20th Anniversary with the release of their brand new single, and two shows supporting legendary Bauhaus front man Peter Murphy’s New Zealand tour dates”– Nick Bollinger (Rip It Up, New Zealand)

Dec 9, 2013

Dec 8, 2013

Dec 8, 2013

“One of the most respected names in the gothic rock genre.”– Terra Relicta (Slovenia)

Dec 8, 2013

2014-15 saw Disjecta Membra playing shows with still more of their formative influences, including Peter Hook (Joy Division/New Order) and Mick Harvey (The Birthday Party/Bad Seeds).

The band meanwhile returned to the studio, made numerous international compilation appearances, and in 2015 released a digital remix EP, followed by the acclaimed radio single ‘Whakataurangi Ake’.

Composed by the Maniapoto tribal elder Pumi Taituha, Disjecta Membra’s treatment of ‘Whakataurangi Ake’ featured instrumentalist Rob Thorne performing taonga pūoro (traditional Māori instruments), and has been described as “hauntingly beautiful” (Cruel Britannia), “deeply soul-stirring” (SixNoises) and “incredibly powerful” (Mike Hollywood). Receiving heavy rotation on Auckland’s 95bFM and RadioActive.fm in Wellington, the single also garnered airplay around the world, most notably in Australia, the US and England.

In November 2016, the band released The Infancy Gospels EP, just ahead of New Zealand tourdates supporting UK goth legends The Mission. Originally set for a relatively low-key release, unexpected response to presales led to The Infancy Gospels being sold out within days of its official launch.

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Jan 18, 2017

Jan 18, 2017

“A five song, 24 minute EP sounds like a pretty straightforward affair. Press play and expect to hear what the label given to the band should sound like. Except it doesn’t, and that is where the various musical meanderings of Disjecta Membra are on display. This EP is a real kaleidoscope of influences… a deliciously eclectic mix of sounds from the dark side of the tracks, much like the band’s history and well worth exploring…”

- Ed Shorrock (Absolution, USA)

Jan 18, 2017

Nov 15, 2016

Nov 15, 2016

“…‘The Infancy Gospels’ is Disjecta Membra's culmination of a continual evolution that has seen the band stretch out across a range of stylistic tangents, always anchored by the commanding baritone of vocalist / guitarist Michel Rowland. This range is wholly evident and on display in this EP, with the band exploring a remarkable amount of territory for such a truncated set… Applause is due and is their due. If this release is any indicator, perhaps their best work is yet to come.”

- Andi Lennon (Collide Art & Culture, Australia)

Nov 15, 2016

Oct 17, 2016

Oct 17, 2016

“I’m a little reluctant to call it goth, or even stick the ubiquitous “deathrock” tag on it, because neither of those labels do the music of Disjecta Membra any justice whatsoever. In fact, the sounds found on the band’s latest release, a five track EP called The Infancy Gospels, suggest that the Wellington-based masters of the dark arts are keen to expand the band’s palette, and this EP appears to represent a genuine cross-pollination of ideas and genres… each of the five tracks on The Infancy Gospels offer something a little different, and the EP is all the better for the diversity on show… an incredibly eclectic collection of songs.”

– Mike Hollywood (Everything’s Gone Green, New Zealand)

Oct 17, 2016

Oct 16, 2016

Oct 16, 2016

“The evidently correct cross of New Zealand post-Xpressway noise and the excessively musicianly variety of industrial goth…. They have and try to have some stylistic range. This succeeds.”

– David Gerrard (Rocknerd, UK)

Oct 16, 2016

Oct 14, 2016

Oct 14, 2016

“The Infancy Gospels reveals a band in motion, with Disjecta Membra expanding their sound and taking risks on their most diverse recording yet. That said, long-time fans, there’s really no need to panic. Disjecta Membra might be broadening their range, but pre-eminent and gothic are descriptors that still hold true… Twenty-three years and innumerable hurdles later, Disjecta Membra are seeking out fresh artistic challenges, while still creating haunting, original music. How many other long-running bands could say the same? As dark and dramatic as always, Disjecta Membra continue to impress and inspire.”

- C. Haze (Six Noises, New Zealand)

Oct 14, 2016

Three months later, in February 2017, the Songs to Scattered Symbols CD appeared; a three-way split-release between Disjecta Membra, IKON (Melbourne) and Sounds Like Winter (Sydney), coinciding with the three bands’ New Zealand shows together in Auckland and Wellington over Waitangi Weekend. The album again sold out within weeks of its release, with the Disjecta Membra cover of the Euro-disco hit ‘Rasputin’ by Boney M. proving a fan favourite.

As of mid 2018, Disjecta Membra have spent the intervening period writing and recording new material, while working with a range of both local and international collaborators, only occasionally interrupted for intimate, low-key semi-acoustic performances. The band look forward to returning to the stage and revealing new release projects in the near future.